Day in the Life of a Work from Home Writer/Illustrator/Mother

6:00 am: Wake up with two small feet planted on forehead and another head wedged near spine. One head very sweetly and loudly asking where everyone is at the ungodly hour. Consider getting king size bed.

6:15 am: Gather enough strength to try and lead twins downstairs so that husband and daughter can sleep in a bit more. Mission almost accomplished down dark stairwell with much whispering until the bottom of the stairs are reached and twin #2 loudly proclaims that he wants to turn on the light first.Twin #1 disagrees, he wants to turn on the light. Race to light, barely beating the two year olds.

6:20 am: Twin #2 asks for a show. Tell him no show, it’s too early in the morning for t.v.

6:30 am: Daughter wakes up in horribly grouchy mood. Husband tries to get her back into bed and discovers she is running a fever. Realize that means to painting time today and no morning run. Be very disappointed and slightly glad.

6:35 am: Turn on a show. Tuck daughter back into bed with books, water and assurances that she will probably go to school tomorrow.

6:45-7:15 am: Check Facebook.

7:15-7:45: Feed Children, taking a tray to daughter upstairs.

7:50: Text babysitter to let her know not to come in today (think about those 4 missed hours of studio time painting in solitude and happiness.)

8:00 am: Check e-mail, ask agent if new book coming out by awesome, well-known writer is too similar to book about to sub.

8:30 am: Be very grateful when agent replies quickly and says it is not too similar.

8:30-9:00am: Respond to emails from editor discussing changes for latest rounds of paintings, keep an ear open to twins watching show.

11:00 am: Turn around and realize why twins were so happily playing as playroom now resembles bombed building.

11-11:30 am: Lunch time. Take tray to daughter.

11:30:12:30 Set daughter up with iPad and Looney Tunes. Take boys out to back yard. Sketch character designs for upcoming submission and conference workshop while boys run around circles and throw balls into neighbors yard.

1:00-2:00 Sporadically read to boys while looking at approved paintings for latest books and planning color schemes for remaining spreads. Check twitter, bounce boys on knees, take silly photos on photo booth with boys and try to type around 4 grabbing hands.

2:00-2:30 Read about award winning illustrator’s gorgeous house studio, woods and child free life to think and dream about art all day. Get slightly jealous.

2:35: get over jealousy after being tackled by twins and checking on (much sweeter) daughter.

2:45: Happy coffee time

3:00 pm: Try to compose blog post about the joys of working from home and continue character sketches and work on dummy while twins play with blocks, train set, cars, throw books, throw balls, tackle each other, find important mail and strew it around living room.

3:15 pm: Give up and play with blocks and change diapers, get snack for boys. Check on daughter. Check email, site meter and Facebook on phone. Pick up toys, stack papers, Vacuum.

4:30 pm: Make dinner

5:15 pm: Eat as fast as you can, while arguing with at least one child who refuses to eat.